DIY Magnet Board in case you (misplace) the baseball tryout sign up

Spring Has Sprung...
For me, that means fun projects...
For hubby that means "more projects and more work!"!

But Last year...
He had a great solution for a problem we had!

Come along & check it out!

I need a solution for a recent problem I had.
No room for important notes/events.
Can you relate?

Do you ever run out of room to hang important notes & events?

Do you lack space to hang that beautiful artwork your child brought home from school?

Do you ever misplace the "baseball tryout form"...Oopsie that was me!

Well,

I think I may have a solution!

I wanted to share with you our most recent home project.
 An affordable

 & 

easy
 Do-it-yourself Magnet Board Project!

My husband may not agree with you on the "easy", but watching him it appeared easy.

Here are the Steps for a Perfect DIY Magnet Board

 Step 1: Find the Perfect Space
You need to find a place that has some room.
Remember, you can make this as big or small as you want.

 We used out back entry,
 it is hidden and usually the "dump zone" when we get home.

Step 2: Gather supplies

*24 gauge galvanized steel
My husband has this at his shop & cut it for me!
If you are interested in a piece you can message me!
Or..
I'm sure our local home improvement stores carry it.

*trim pieces
(we used pre-painted white trim)

*Nails

 Step 3: Put it together

My "dear hubby" after no fighting

Kindly
~nailed the galvanized steel on our wall

~Measured the trim to fit & cut

~Nailed trim to wall

(That's what I saw anyways...#haha)

Step 4: Hang Magnets

Find Your favorite magnets & important notes..
and

you are all set my friends!

A fun, easy, & affordable DIY magnet board!!
I better stop saying easy!

Courtesy of: "dear wife"

and

Installed by: "dear hubby" 

 

See the magnet...

Happy Wife, Happy Life!

You can even use erasable markers

&

Leave Little notes to your son.

I'm sure he just Looooovvvvveeessss that!

Added calendar, a few pics, and Jake's golf schedule!

Easy peasy Lemon Squeezy!

Enjoy your day!

Shelby

Sometimes we just have to scrape & scrape the old chipped parts of ourselves, to make way for something new and brighter!

This past weekend,

I decided to repaint Collette's playhouse in the backyard.

The paint is chipping and needs a fresh new look for Spring.

The "old" Shelby would have

just started painting right away,

but,
I took my time.

I knew if I didn't take off the old, chipped paint..

the new paint job wouldn't stay or look as nice.

It is a long, tedious project..

but 

as I spent the afternoon

scraping away at the old paint.

I couldn't help 

but

think of how it reflects my own life.

As I try to become a more faithful, Christ like follower.

God is having me evaluate each layer of myself.

He wants us to identify our "icky" layers

that need to be chipped away

and 

make into something new, something brighter.

A better version of ourselves.

It isn't an easy job.

It takes lots of work.

We must not get frustrated.

Sometimes the old  "paint" comes off right away..

other times,

the "old paint" need lots of work & scraping.

Over & Over..Over & over

You continually work at that most difficult "section"

Sometimes you just want to give up and paint over it,

but
you know it will always be there..

Under the new stuff

&

Eventually it will peak it's ugly head through.

You must face it & work at it.

For me, personally, I still have a lot of scraping to do.
Layers of Yuck that need to be worked on.

The more I scrape,

the more room I have for something brighter and new.

For me personally.

I am quick to react, quick to anger.
I have no patience.

Its the "icky" layer of me.

I'm working on it.

I'm praying about it.

I'm scraping away, trying to get rid of the yuck.

 

As for me.

I'm still scraping.
Sometimes, I can slowly see it moving away..
other times,
the "icky" parts look me square in the face to remind me they are still there.

I cannot be discouraged.
I know a finished product takes times.
So, I'll keep scraping
&
scraping!

As for the playhouse.

It's complete & painted.

Took me all day but it came out looking really nice!

When all was said and done,

I showed "dear hubby" the completed version and he says

"Looks nice, but I think this weekend I am building her a brand new one..

With a slide & Fireman's pole & deck..

We can bring this one to the dump!"

"the unpainted version"

Oh....Okay..

That's my luck...

Love ya,

Shelby

P.S. If you guys are looking for an adorable planter..
Check out this awesome, affordable galvanized planter :)
Just ordered one!

Galvanized metal planter

Today her "tutu was in a tangle".

It was one of those mornings...

Ya, "that one"

Anything I did.

Anything I tried.

Didn't work.

....this morning,

my 5 year old little lady

"Had her tutu in a tangle"

Normally our "dear daughter"

has fairly good mornings

but Today,

Nothing was going right..

Wrong outfit

wrong socks

wrong underwear

wrong breakfast

wrong jacket

wrong mother

She had her tutu in a tangle..

and there was no way I would win.

It didn't last long though,

once we got in the car 

with her

juice box, banana, blanket, and "the right shoes"

 we were all set..

I looked in the rear view mirror 

and

she was her old self.

In One Minute, everything changed...
She looked at me like the past half an hour never happened.

But..
in all honesty

I guess we all have those days sometimes! 

There are many days she see's me frazzled.

Many days she loves me despite my flaws..

 She still holds my hand & gives me kisses goodbye!

She won't ever catch me in a tutu,
Oh wait.....

 Okay, she may never see me again in a tutu

but 
I'll hold her wearing a tutu everyday for the rest of my life if I could!

Enjoy your day 
& 
don't be too hard on yourselves if you had a bad day!

Things will turn around.

You'll look in the rear view mirror..
smiling with your coffee..
.and feel back to normal in no time!

Loves,

Shelby 

Fun & Affordable Magnet Learning Station

Happy Wednesday!!

So glad the sun is shining & warmers temps on the way!

All that Magnet talk yesterday got me to thinking of 

all the fun things you can do with magnet boards!

Check out this amazing Magnetic Learning Station from:

The Homes I Have Made

http://thehomesihavemade.com/2012/09/magnetic-learning-station-playroo/#_a5y_p=927114

I just think it would be perfect in any kids room!

Plus, even better...

It is affordable!

 This women purchased her magnet piece for $10.00 at Lows!

Find some fun buckets and you are all set..

 She has Letters, flash cards, and Funny Face pieces separated in buckets!

Any kids would surely Love this!!

Hope You Enjoy today's find..

Hi ho, Hi ho...Off to work I go!

If you missed our Magnet Talk yesterday, here is the link:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2016/04/let-love-grow.html
It was about the magnetic force of the $1.00 section at Target!

Love ya,

Shelby

Directions for this project here:

http://thehomesihavemade.com/2012/09/magnetic-learning-station-playroo/#_a5y_p=927114

The magnetic force of the $1.00 section led me to the perfect sign!

Happy Terrific Tuesday Everyone!

The Sun is out, let's Spring into a project!

If you remember last week..

I talked about the ways you can decorate

with the ever fun....

6 ft ruler!

If you didn't get a chance to check it out!

It was a fun Do-it-yourself 6ft ruler project!

Link to post here:

 http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2016/04/rulers-rulehow-do-you-think-these.html

Well,

I have been trying to incorporate my ruler on our front porch

&

I think I  may have found the perfect sign to add with it.

It says: Let Love Grow

and was 

$3.00 at Target!
 (you know that section right when walk in & the magnetic force of the $1.00 section drags you in)
 oh, you have been there too!
You can't even walk by it without instantly being hypnotized by all the lovely finds.
Oh, only a $1.00..
I need this, this, this, this, and this!
By the time you get to the checkout, the hypnosis has worn off & you sneakingly put back a few of those items before you check out!

Please tell me others have done that or I feel like a dork!

Anyways,
where was I?
Oh ya,
 I added that "special hypnosis sign" to the ruler and so far..
It's a start & once it warms up..
I'll add Flowers around it, try to make it a little more festive!

I have been trying a few different pillows to see which one looks best!

What pillows are you guys liking better?
 Let me know in the comment section!!

I need some advice!

Well Happy Tuesday Y'all.

Don't forget to give Altobelli Peterson Construction a call for all your:
siding
roofing
decking
door
window
or
Gutter needs!!
1-218-744-3350

Super Sunday Cereal Savings....$1.16 for Rice Krispies/Frosted Flakes

Sometimes on Lazy Sunday days..

I do some "serious" couponing

 then..

I take my finds

and

share them with my awesome blogger family.

This Super Saving
is
 for those of you who have a Super One available to you!

This past week,

there is a coupon for 

Kellogs Cereal & Pop Tarts for

$1.66

(that's already a great price)

Now,

go to

https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com/en_US/coupons.html

 and

 Print the .50 cents off Coupon for Frosted Flakes/Rice Krispies

 

That brings your Cereal Price to:

$1.16

You have a Super Cereal Sunday Saving!!

If you Like this Saving
Pay if Forward
&
Share it with your Friends!!

We can all use a great deal!!

If you didn't have a chance to read my Do-it-Yourself Project
Check out the link here:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2016/04/rulers-rulehow-do-you-think-these.html

#Screen Porch Envy!

Happy Friday Night...

Hope this lovely night finds you snuggled in at your favorite spot.

If you are not,

I found a space we could all enjoy together.!!

Isn't is perfect!!??

Okay, close your eyes..

Now OPEN!

Source: http://www.adelto.co.uk/luxurious-hospitality-at-the-uxua-casa-hotel-brazil/

Let's all be envious together...

Okay, are you ready?

1, 2, 3.

 Screen porch envy!!

Okay back to reality!

To be honest, a beautiful screened in porch is not a far off dream !

The awesome crew at Altobelli Peterson can make your dream a reality!

We have options galore that you can choose from!

On the Tour
#1.
Loving this one from: 

http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2015/01/clean-design.html 

 Isn't is perfect!
Love the Turquoise furniture!

#2.
This next one would sure help keep those pesty MN mosquitoes out!

#3. how about a rustic cabin look?
Looks like an awesome spot to enjoy a summer evening..
with a book of course!

source: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p171096vb#photos

Well Hope You Enjoy this Friday Night #screenporchenvy tour!

..Remember your dreams can be your reality with the awesome crew at Altobelli Peterson Const.

Give us a call at 1-218-744-3350 for all your siding, roofing, decking, door, gutter, or window needs!

If you didn't have a chance to read the fun Do it Yourself Project Post..
Check it out here:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2016/04/rulers-rulehow-do-you-think-these.html

Goodnight Y'all!

Shelby

Rulers Rule...How do you think these measure up?

 Happy Wednesday!!

How's your day measuring up?

The only thing I see measuring up is the snow accumulation.

Enough about the Snow!

Let's cheer ourselves up with a fun project.

Are you ready?

The Do~it~Yourself....6ft. Ruler!!

What's that you ask?

It's a fun way to show off your growing child, plus it adds a fun design element to any room.

First Up..We have this cute "Artwork display Area"

By: Home is what you make it!

They have the 6ft. ruler,

Next to it..

They have clipboards for displaying kids artwork..

You can just switch it out!

H

Source: www.homeiswhatyoumakeit.com

Next Up,

We have this adorable Spring Front Porch.

My dear neighbor made me one a few years back & this is exactly what I'm doing with mine!

The designer from: Cottage in the Oaks

Added some adorable Lanterns, Mason Jars, flowers, and a cute chalkboard to make it complete!

Source: www.cottageintheoaks.com

This next one even looks adorable in a living room!

This Chevron Ruler from:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124898698/growth-ruler-distressed-grey-and-creamy?ref=shop_home_feat

Will run you around $67.00 but is Oh so Cute!

 A more affordable option from Etsy is the Burlap Version

Love how it just lays nicely next to any door, taking up little space!

Like what you see?

Want to try to make one at on your own?

 Follow this Link for the Easy Do it yourself Instructions:

http://adventuresindecoratinganddesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/ruler-growth-chart.html 

Looking for a Different Color or Style:

This one would be adorable in a Nursery

&

It's easy and affordable!

Source here: http://www.thepinningmama.com/5-30-minute-wooden-growth-chart/

If you are like me and need to watch something to learn how!

Here is a great tutorial :)

Not sure your Ready to "do it yourself"

You can purchase them on Etsy!

These are from:

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/153130893/painted-ruler-growth-chart-wood-growth?ref=related-0

They are adorable with the names on them & run around $67.00 

Hope You Enjoyed today's Do-it Yourself Project!

When it comes to home improvement

Altobelli Peterson Construction measures up against all the rest!

Give us a call for all you Siding, Roofing, Gutter, Decking, Window, Or Door Needs

at

1-218-744-3350

or email me at speterson@abcironrange.com

Looking for more DO-IT-YOURSELF projects

Check out a previous post,

A plank wall for Under $100

 http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2014/04/i-got-promotedplus-awesome-diy-plank.html 

Thanks,

Shelby

..It's Super & Fabulous & Messy all rolled into One!

HaPpY TuEsDaY...

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but..

It is Looking a little gloomy outside.

I miss the sun.

The warmth, the light, the happiness.

 The sun has a way of just making people feel better!

On these gloomy days, I can't help but eat and veg out.

Watching a few of my favorite shows, scoping out Pinterest, & checking on facebook.

I start dreaming about Spring & things I want to accomplish.

My oldest son will be 17 years old & right now he really wants nothing to do with me.

However,

I still want to cherish these last few years of "home togetherness"

and 

tackle my

 "Spring Family Fun List..On a budget!"

and

this weather

is putting a big damper on it.

So, I would hope Spring would show up soon.

 Who is with me?

Here is my Spring Bucket List...
Hope you can get some ideas & feel free to share your Bucket list items with all of us!

#1. Fishing in the dark: 

"you & me go fishing in the dark!"

We have a little trout fishing boat & usually there is not room for me. 

(insert sad face here)

The boat is packed with boys & gear!

I usually never put up much of a fight..

However,

this Spring

Little Collette & I are going to squeeze are little bums in

and have a night

Fishing in the dark!

#2. Kayaking

I guess you could say I'm not the most coordinated women in the planet.

Trying to figure out ways to paddle a Kayak gets me a little frustrated.

However,

If I can pass Nursing School 

(inserting tubes into small areas)

I know that I can figure Kayaking out.

I have always wanted to Kayak into uncharted territory with the family in tow!

 #3. Golfing with My Main Man...Jacob

As I mentioned before, "dear son" is turning 17 and he has a passion for everything golf.

Guess you could say, it runs in the family.

Since raising kids, you could say I kind of gave up on the sport.

However,

this year I want to give golfing a try again!

My son has a competitive spirit, as do I, so I'm up for the challenge

#4.  Giving Hiking/ Rock Climbing a Try.

This past Winter, "dear hubby" and I were in Arizona for work. 

He encouraged me to give Mountain Climbing a try.

With hesitation, I strapped on the "tenner shoes" and started hiking.

I thought we were all the way up when I look around the corner to find it wasn't even half done.

My anxiety started to play tricks on me and I thought I couldn't complete it.

However,

"dear hubby" help me through my fears and we made it up together.

  FYI...even though I'm smiling, I was so out of breath & my legs were shaking like jello.

I started to think, what happens if I'm up here and I have to go to the bathroom?

There are no porta potties? 

I'm sorry TMI...LOL :)

 Last, But not Least

#5. Dance in the Rain with Collette

It's so free & exhilerating.

Like you are a kid again.

There's not a care in the world & the kids just can't believe you are okay with it.

...Just try it, trust me~

Splash in the puddles & twirl around..You won't regret it!

Well maybe when it's time to go inside & your all wet and muddy and the kids track it all in...

In all reality...

It's super & fabulous & messy all rolled into one.

     

Isn't that kind of like Life...

Super & Fabulous & messy...

all rolled into one!

Take Care...& Happy Spring!!
Shelby

*Don't forget to give Altobelli Peterson Construction a call for all your siding, roofing, decking, door, and window needs!
Our number is 1-218-744-3350!

Money Saving Monday

I don't know about you, but in our family we GO THROUGH the cereal.

It's probably my lack of "breakfast making" skills

that make the cereal demand high at our house!

Please tell me I am not alone in this!

With three boys & a girl I feel like we could go through a box every few days!

That's why, I wanted to share with you 

my "trick" for saving on "Trix" & all General Mills Cereal this week.

Let's Call In Money Saving Monday

This Week Super One had quite a few items on sale in the cereal department,

this lead to some awesome savings!

Here are my cereal savings...

Let's take any General Mills 10.7 oz. Cereal product

Normal Price: $3.49

Super One Sale Price: $2.99

Coupon from http://www.coupons.com/ : .75 cents off any General Mills Cereal

Sample Coupon on website:

Your total per box of General Mills: $2.25/box

This applies to any General Mills Cereal!

I purchased Trix, Coco Puffs, & Golden Grahams

Also, Super One has Kellogg's cereal on sale (limit 2) for $1.66
Now that's Super Savings!

This is the time to Stock up!

With all my coupons, I saved $53.00 during my grocery store trip.
It took maybe 30 minutes of preparation!

I strongly suggest you check out the website:
http://www.coupons.com/
It seriously is filled with amazing savings!

You will never ever pay full price for:
Shavers
Shampoo
Lotions
Paper Towl
Toothpastes
Tide

..The List is Never Ending with Legitimate Manufacturers Coupons!

I share my posts in hope this helps even just one person!
 I hope you are one :)

Enjoy this Money Saving Monday!
If you like what you read, share this with others so we can all being Coupon saving warriors together!

Love,
Shelby

The day fear won!

Friday Fear Won.

I had to make a decision,

a BIG decision.

I would need to decide if I would travel to Uganda with our Pastor and fellow church member

for two weeks this June.

We would work with organizations that provide clean water to villages & also visit the orphanage that you and I have been sending supplies to these past few years.

For a few years now the country of Uganda has 

had a special place in my heart & since then I have felt compelled to help.

So when the opportunity came up that I would have a chance to travel their and visit..

 of course you would think I would jump on it.

For months, in preparation of purchasing the ticket, I was very extremely anxious.

I kept shoving the anxiety and fear down in my heart praying that God would help give me some clarity and peace on the decision.

However, 

the fear & anxiety remained and it got harder and harder to sleep at night!

The anxiety got so bad, I felt short of breath at night.

I would toss and turn and ask Travis to open the window to allow me to breath.

I eventually would calm down and fall asleep only to wake up with the nervousness and stress of the decision I needed to make.

I didn't want to let anyone down..

Not God,

Not my Pastor,

Not my church members,

Not my husband,

Not the organizations we were helping

Not the children who need us

I just wanted to find a way to make this trip work!!

I want the fear to be replaced with excitement.

As the time grew closer to make the decision, 

of me going..

I started to just tell myself that I was just going

&

I needed to be obedient. 

Nightly I was praying that God would make it clear.

I was reading missionary books, listening to Christian speakers, and asking people I trust their thoughts.

BUT..

ultimately it came down to only me & faith.

So, this past Friday,
 when I had to make a decision
wether I would travel to Uganda 

 leaving behind my three sons, daughter, and husband for two weeks to travel to the unknown...

FEAR WON..

Fear of leaving the children.

Fear of the unknown, 

fear of uncertainty, 

fear of getting hurt, 

fear of traveling

fear of terrorism

fear of what I would see

fear of never coming back

Anything one could fear, I feared.

Those of you who know me
may know I struggle with anxiety.

Anxiety is a real problem in my life.

Problem enough that it inhibits my life in many ways.

However,

this time,

Anxiety and Fear won in a way I never would have imagined.

For that, I am sad and broken hearted.

However,

I know that this story is not over.

I know that this dream is not dead.

I know that God will turn this story into something bigger for me.

It may be an important lesson or it may be my biggest regret.

I just pray that the Lord will still use me.

Maybe the Lord can use me here.

Maybe I can help from across oceans.

I do know I will remain home
&
tend to my family.

I have son with Autism that needs his mom
& 

a five year old daughter who needs me holding her hand.

A place has called me at this exact moment at this exact time..that is home.

Fear may have won..

but 

I believe in a Forgiving, Grace Giving God who can turn my brokenness into a new story.

If you too have let fear won,
know that your story is not over.

God can still make something out of our lives.

God can use us.

God can forgive us.

and

God will redeem us!!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Well Played Dad, Well played!! Here are some last minute April Fool Pranks!

Happiest Friday

&

Happiest April Fools Day!

I was going to paint my son's nails this morning

 (my good friend did this to her son and he was mortified all day), 

I had this big plan...

sneak to their rooms in the middle of the night and paint them bright red..

But...

 I just couldn't do it!!

The torture they would have to endure all day was enough to make this mama feel guilty.

So..we couldn't let them off scott free

Travis, instead, decided to aim the shower head facing out..

so when they turned on the faucet, that cold shower blasted them square in the face. 

As each kid took a turn,

 I heard "dear hubby" laugh hysterically

The boys even agreed, 

"Well played dad, Well played!"

I just LOVE April fools...

However, I can never think of any way ahead of time.

I have heard a few funny ones already this morning!

If you haven't got a chance to trick your family..

Try one of these fun April Fools Jokes

1. Cream cheese replacing deodorant!

Now, that is a good one.

Found on Pinterest! No direct link.

2. MACARONI AND CHEESE ORANGE JUICE

3. Swap pudding for Mayonnaise

4. Cover a hallway with cups!!

5. Paint a bar of soap with nail polish

I hope these Inspired You!

The Kids might not think your cool...
but now who looks the fool!!!

On a more serious note, Come Visit us at the Iron Range Home and Boat show in Virginia!
We for sure will not fool you with our prices!!

Enjoy Your Friday!
Shelby